Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured addressing a joint session of the Russian parliament this month, has quashed political opposition and independent media, leaving virtually no one to challenge his decisions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured addressing a joint session of the Russian parliament this month, has quashed political opposition and independent media, leaving virtually no one to challenge his decisions. (Alexei Nikolsky / AFP/Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin, pictured addressing a joint session of the Russian parliament this month, has quashed political opposition and independent media, leaving virtually no one to challenge his decisions.Alexei Nikolsky / AFP/Getty Images